NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

National primate embryo resource for human genetic disease models

Official title: A National NHP Embryo Resource of Human Genetic Disease Models

Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11253307 · Data updated 2026-11-12

They are building a national collection of primate embryos that carry human-like genetic mutations to help speed development of new treatments for inherited diseases.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon Health & Science University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Portland, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2026
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$638,810
NIH project number5R24OD034055-04
Project IDNIH-11253307 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

This project does not enroll patients; it is designed to support research relevant to people with rare inherited genetic conditions.

Less likely to help

People with common non-genetic conditions or those looking for direct clinical care will not receive benefit from this resource.

What this research studies

This project will collect, preserve, and share embryos and reproductive materials from non-human primates that carry genetic changes similar to human inherited diseases. Teams will use assisted reproduction and cryopreservation to increase availability of rare disease-model animals and enable sharing across National Primate Research Centers. The resource is intended to support preclinical testing of gene and precision therapies that require large-animal models before human trials. Patients are not enrolled, but the work aims to make it easier and faster to develop treatments for people with rare genetic conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the resource could speed and improve preclinical testing of therapies for rare human genetic diseases, potentially accelerating safe human trials.

How similar studies have gone: Individual non-human primate disease models have supported preclinical work, but creating a coordinated national embryo bank is a novel approach that has not been widely used before.

Where this research is happening

  • Oregon Health & Science University
    Portland, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sherman, Larry S. — Oregon Health & Science University
  • Study coordinator: Sherman, Larry S.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Creating better animal models for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

    This work aims to develop improved animal models to help us understand and find new treatments for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

    NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11146477

  • Improving diagnosis of rare genetic diseases in children

    This study is working to improve how doctors diagnose over 7,000 rare genetic diseases in children by creating better guidelines that combine medical history, physical exams, and lab results, so kids can get the right treatment more easily.

    NIH research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11094052

  • Investigating how RNA structure changes contribute to genetic diseases

    This study is looking at how the shape of RNA affects how genes work after they are copied, which could help us understand more about certain diseases and genetic disorders.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11088257

  • Improving rat genome assembly to better understand complex diseases

    This study is working to make the genetic information about rats even better, which will help scientists understand diseases like brain disorders and addiction, ultimately leading to better treatments for patients.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · Houston, United States · NIH-11080198

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.